Rye has 43 locations waiting for pedestrian-activated flashing beacons, the chair of the city's Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee said in a podcast interview published Aug. 20.

Brian Dempsey, a licensed professional engineer with more than 40 years in the field, told MyRye.com host and former Mayor Doug French that between 10 and 15 rectangular rapid flashing beacons were installed across the city last year, with Westchester County covering some costs along the Playland Parkway pathway. The demand hasn't slowed.

"We actually have a list of 43 other requested locations right now," Dempsey said.

The City Council unanimously approved RRFB installations at nine Boston Post Road intersections on June 10, according to council minutes. Those locations include Forest Avenue, Apawamis Avenue, Indian Village Lane, Rye Beach Avenue, Oakland Beach Avenue, Dearborn Avenue, Locust Avenue, Maple Avenue and Grace Church Street. Each requires separate agreements with the New York State DOT and the Westchester County Department of Public Works.

Prioritization depends on cost, whether a site gets enough sunlight for solar-powered units, and traffic conditions.

Boston Post Road diet goes regional

Dempsey first proposed the Boston Post Road diet in 1998, converting the corridor from four lanes to a calmer configuration with improved crossings and space for cycling. The Town of Mamaroneck now wants to extend that design from Rye through the Village of Mamaroneck, Town of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont to New Rochelle at an estimated cost of $16.9 million.

Osborn intersection under evaluation

A traffic signal at the Boston Post Road/Old Post Road fork near The Osborn failed twice, first electrically, then mechanically. With signal-repair companies backed up, DPW installed temporary stop signs. Dempsey said the committee is evaluating whether to make the all-way stop permanent. A crosswalk at the site, needed by Rye Middle School and High School students who practice modified sports at The Osborn, was already in planning before the signal went out.

New traffic signals now run $400,000 to $500,000 each, plus annual maintenance and electricity.

E-bikes, e-scooters raise concerns

Dempsey flagged e-bikes and e-scooters as a major emerging safety issue, noting that many riders are under 16 and often ride without helmets. Distracted driving also remains a persistent challenge, he said, with enforcement difficult as drivers rely more heavily on in-vehicle technology.

How to report a concern

Residents can submit traffic and pedestrian safety issues through the city's 311 system at ryeny.gov. Submissions go on record with the city and are forwarded to the committee. Members visit each reported location before the committee's monthly Zoom meeting, where police provide speeding and crash data. Recommendations then go to the city engineer, DPW, city manager or City Council depending on the action needed.

Dempsey was also appointed to the city's Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee on Aug. 12, according to council records.